stimulation

American  

[stim-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌstɪm yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of exciting a nerve, gland, etc., to its functional activity.

   The fungus is known to have diverse effects on the body, from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels.

2. something that arouses interest, inspiration, or incitement to action.

   Children, with their developing brains, love stimulation and novelty.

3. a cause or incitement.

   Improved rural-urban communication links often act as stimulation for the growth of local towns.

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Other Word Forms

• antistimulation noun
• hyperstimulation noun
• interstimulation noun
• nonstimulation noun
• overstimulation noun
• poststimulation adjective
• prestimulation noun
• restimulation noun
• self-stimulation noun
• superstimulation noun

Etymology

Origin of stimulation

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin stimulātiō “incentive”; equivalent to stimulate ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

The more children seek social stimulation online, the less actual interaction they have with friends in person.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study compared 12 different therapies, including laser therapy, electrical stimulation, knee braces, insoles, kinesiology tape, water-based therapy, exercise, and ultrasound.

From Science Daily

In contrast to earlier studies that relied on powerful laser pulses to generate these states, the Dresden team found that gentle stimulation using magnetic waves is enough.

From Science Daily

The fable construct extends to a frenetic visual scheme of handmade art and animation that interrupts our absorption process as if we were kids needing stimulation between all the talking heads.

From Los Angeles Times

Brain implants will provide all the auditory and visual stimulation needed to simulate any form of live entertainment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• incentive
• stimulant